Ever wondered just how far a media outlet would go for the ultimate scoop? And how much people would pay for a glimpse into the truly private moments of a celebrity’s life, even their very last? Well, buckle up, because today we’re diving into one of the most infamous and record-breaking moments in tabloid history, all thanks to the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Elvis Presley.
The King is Gone, But Not Forgotten (By the Paparazzi)
When Elvis Presley passed away in August 1977, the world mourned. His open-casket funeral was a public spectacle, a final chance for fans to say goodbye to their idol. But while millions grieved, one publication saw an opportunity: the National Enquirer. And they weren’t just looking for a front-page story; they were looking for a photo no one else dared to get.
So, what’s the shocking fact? The National Enquirer paid Elvis’s own cousin, a man named Michael Hand, a cool $18,000 (which, trust me, was a lot more back then) to secretly photograph Elvis’s corpse after the funeral. Yes, you read that right. His corpse. In his coffin.
The Unthinkable Scoop That Made History
Michael Hand, reportedly using a small camera hidden under his shirt, snapped the clandestine photo. The National Enquirer, never one to shy away from controversy, plastered that image on its cover. And the public? They ate it up.
This single issue became the magazine’s best-selling edition ever, with a staggering 6.7 million copies flying off the shelves. Think about that for a second: 6.7 million people were compelled enough by morbid curiosity, or perhaps a desperate need for closure, to buy a magazine featuring a deceased Elvis. It’s a testament to the enduring power of celebrity, even in death, and the insatiable human appetite for the sensational.
Why Did It Matter So Much?
This wasn’t just a shocking photo; it was a cultural phenomenon. It pushed the boundaries of journalistic ethics (or lack thereof) and set a new bar for tabloid sensationalism. It showed just how far some media outlets would go, and how much the public would consume, when it came to the private lives—and deaths—of icons.
From a business perspective, it was a masterstroke for the National Enquirer, solidifying its reputation for jaw-dropping, often ethically dubious, exclusives. But it also sparked a massive debate about privacy, grief, and the public’s right to know versus a celebrity’s right to rest in peace.
The Enduring Power of Sensationalism
Fast forward to today, and while the medium has changed, the hunger for shocking stories hasn’t. Social media and 24/7 news cycles mean that ‘scoops’ can go viral in seconds, often without verification. This Elvis story is a stark reminder that our fascination with the extraordinary, the forbidden, and the deeply personal is nothing new. It’s been driving headlines (and sales) for decades.
So, the next time you see a headline that makes your jaw drop, remember Elvis and his cousin. It’s a wild, slightly macabre, but undeniably fascinating piece of history that shows us the true cost, and incredible profit, of sensationalism.